Practical precepts
1 Don't be preoccupied with your money, and don't say, "I'm self-sufficient."
2
Don't follow your inclination or your strength, in order to walk in the desires of your heart.
3
And don't say, "Who'll have power over me?" When the Lord punishes, he will punish.
4
Don't say, "Sure, I sinned, but what happened to me?" The Lord is patient indeed.
5
Don't be too confident of being forgiven, adding sin upon sin.
6
Don't say, "His compassion is great; he will forgive the whole heap of my sins." Mercy and wrath are with him, and his anger will rest on sinners.
7
Don't wait to turn back to the Lord. Don't put it off day after day, because the Lord's wrath will come forth suddenly; when the time for punishment comes, you will be destroyed.
8
Don't be preoccupied with ill-gotten gains; it will be of no benefit when you are in trouble.